MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Times of Loneliness

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Well, dear friend, you are NEVER really alone – your heavenly Father keeps watch over you, your guardian angel is always with you, and your entire heavenly family – including your Blessed Mother Mary & the Saints are always there for you. Jesus Himself is always there for you in the tabernacle.

In times of loneliness, perhaps it would help to recite prayers, such as the following aspirations...

O Lord, let me not continue in loneliness.

Good Jesus, by Thy Loneliness in the Garden by the Desolation Thou didst will to come over Thee, sanctify mine.

Or this prayer to our Blessed Mother, Our lady of Good Remedy...

O Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from thy treasury of graces in our time of need. Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless; aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.

Or this prayer, said 'in trial, in loneliness and desolation of heart'...

O Lord God, who correctest those whom Thou dost love, teach me in this sore trial, this dark day of very heavy chastisement, to know Thy love. Lord, I believe that Thou lovest me; help Thou mine unbelief. Teach me to see Thy love, though Thou seemest to turn Thy Face from me. Increase Thy love towards me, O God, now that Thou hast smitten me... Have pity upon me, speak consolation to my soul. Give me of Thy comfort, for what can I do, whither can I turn, O Lord? Thou only, Who hast afflicted, can comfort me; I have none besides Thee. I come to Thee in my loneliness, my desolation of heart, my anguish. Hold Thou me up; give me of Thy love; I kneel at Thy feet, I cast myself down before Thee; weeping do I beseech Thee to receive my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Also, remember that patient suffering can bring many benefits (for example, try here for 'Suffering Has Meaning'). You might offer up the feelings of loneliness and gain merit for this suffering.

You might also want to have particular recourse to the marvelous St. Rita of Cascia as she is the patron saint against loneliness. A novena to her may be found here (also, a user-submitted novena to St. Rita may be found here).

A visit to Jesus alone in the tabernacle might also bring great blessings. (How could it not?) And also consider devotion to His Sorrowful Mother.

In addition, depending on your situation, you might want to consider volunteering. I think that when we focus on the needs of others, our own problems can seem more distant. For example, I know someone who visited the elderly in a nursing home. Some of the people there may have been pretty lonely, but by spending some time with them, all parties felt better. Even if you can't volunteer, you can always pray for others who are lonely. Helping others with their problems tends to be a medicine for our own problems, IMHO.

Likewise if the loss of loved ones is contributing to your loneliness, you might especially consider saying special prayers and performing good works on behalf of your beloved deceased. Doing so may assist both them and you. This is a wonderful work of mercy.

If applicable, you might reach out family, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, etc. for support during times of loneliness. Should circumstances be favorable, perhaps a beloved pet might also be a great blessing?

Also, you could look to see if there are worthy activities or groups at your parish. If not, perhaps you could see about starting one yourself, if you are so inclined.

Finally, you can "keep yourself busy" with good spiritual reading and frequent prayer. Note that we have many prayers on our site (try here) and numerous quotes from popes & saints (try here), plus you can also request prayers for yourself in our Prayer Requests Section (try here).

And of course if you need particular assistance, consider speaking with a good priest and/or accessing other necessary services (e.g. counseling).

During this difficult time, always remember that you are never really alone, that you are very loved, and you have great value.

God bless you.

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"Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for you." (1 Pt. 5:7)

"With the confidence of a son, rest in the care and love that divine Providence has for you in all your needs. Look upon Providence as a child does its mother who loves him tenderly. You can be sure that God loves you incomparably more." (St. Jane Frances de Chantal)

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